There’s no better way to learn a language than to live in your home country. Whether you want to improve your French in France, or Chinese in China, you learn the language faster because you’re practicing it regularly and using it in your daily life. You’ll also learn different ways of dealing with the language that you wouldn’t otherwise learn in class, allowing you to speak like a local.

Learning about other cultures is fascinating. You’ll meet students from all over the world who will offer you different perspectives you may not have considered before. When you leave home for the first time and arrive in your new host country, you’ll be immersed in a whole new world: new foods, festivals, customs, traditions, and an incredible social atmosphere. Will you miss your home food? Maybe. But you can always cook at home for your host family and enjoy the traditional food of your country.

Studying abroad allows you to truly experience the world and travel to new places outside of the USA that you might not have otherwise discovered. During your time away from school, you can go sightseeing with your host family or meet new friends in your new city. Your new friends can show you places you wouldn’t otherwise experience as a tourist. Sometimes you won’t be limited to traveling only in the area you’re studying; you can also visit neighboring countries.

The friends you meet abroad will become part of your network for life. Along with creating new friendships, the connections you make are the most valuable asset you can gain in your future professional life. Wherever your career takes you, having international connections can open the door to many opportunities.

“I’m a different person,” says Angelica, a student who attended one of the exchange programs. “You’re not the same person anymore. You’re a better version of yourself.” That’s the feeling many of our students have when they return.

Living away from home for the first time and the experience of adapting to a new culture and life abroad can sometimes be overwhelming. Stepping out of your comfort zone and facing obstacles like homesickness and living abroad with strangers may seem insignificant now, but in the future, you’ll be proud of the accomplishments you’ve overcome.

In the end, when you return home with all the experience you’ve gained, your study abroad experiences will be warmly received by the admissions office at the university you’ll be attending. Being part of an entire school year or even a semester of learning in a foreign country isn’t something many high school students can say they’ve done! 

There are many more personal benefits to studying abroad and ways to grow both professionally and personally. Choosing to become an exchange student abroad can be one of the most educationally stimulating experiences of your life. From host families and local communities to classmates and strangers on the street, studying abroad offers endless opportunities. If you’re worried about leaving your friends behind, don’t be. Not only will they be here when you return, but you’ll also have great stories to share with them. New communication technologies are also responsible for making this experience abroad even closer.